The Many Paths of Law Enforcement

Police officers do more than just hand out speeding tickets or chase down criminals. There are many other jobs police officers can work in as well. If you are thinking about a career in law enforcement, consider getting a degree in criminal justice and looking at some of the many areas in which police officers can work to decide which one is right for you.

1. Patrol Officer

Patrol officers are the police officers you typically see cruising around in police cars, issuing traffic tickets and assisting during automobile accidents. Patrol officers are the first ones on the scene when a crime is committed, as part of their pledge to serve and protect the people. Some other duties of patrol officers include administering basic first aid to victims, preparing reports discussing their activities, and testifying in court regarding traffic and criminal cases they are involved with.

2. Bomb Squad Technician

Police officers that are members of the bomb squad are trained to diffuse explosive devices and are usually part of large city law enforcement agencies. Officers on the bomb squad handle situations with explosives from start to finish, including threat assessment and crime scene investigation after a blast. Bomb squads often use special equipment, such as robots, to assist them in dangerous situations.

3. Homicide Detective

The subject of many television crime dramas, homicide detectives specialize in catching murderers and bringing them to justice. Homicide detectives conduct interviews with witnesses, suspects, and other people who may have know murder victims. They must know how to decipher clues and evidence found at the murder scene, and be prepared to chase down suspects during arrests.

4. Hostage Negotiator

Hostage Negotiators are specifically trained to handle situations that involve people being held hostage. Their primary goal is to make sure hostages are removed safely from the situation by speaking directly with the person who is keeping them against their will. You will need a calm, persuasive personality if you are interested in becoming a hostage negotiator.

5. Crime Scene Investigator

Crime scene investigators are the officers that comb the scene where a crime has been committed. If you pursue a career as a crime scene investigator you will learn how to recognize the scene of a crime, take photographs and notes, and collect evidence from the area.

6. Law Enforcement Trainer

Police officers need solid training before they are ready to go out into the world of crime, which means they need a solid trainer. Law enforcement trainers need to have experience as a patrol officer so they can help new recruits know what to expect on the job. A trainer position could be the right future choice for you if you have training or teaching experience, are a good public speaker, and a natural leader.

Law enforcement positions are as varied as the people who fill them. From desk jobs to exciting careers chasing criminals, each of these officers has specific duties and a special role to play in helping to protect and serve the public.